Islamabad: Asif Ali Zardari has approved the Special Economic Zones (Amendment) Bill 2026, introducing changes aimed at improving Pakistan’s investment climate, strengthening fiscal measures, and supporting economic growth.
The legislation received presidential assent on Thursday on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, formally clearing the way for amendments to the Special Economic Zones Act, 2012.
Before the bill’s approval, the federal government withdrew the Special Economic Zones Amendment Ordinance 2026. The amended law had already been passed by both houses of Parliament.
The revised framework seeks to encourage the development of special economic zones by offering investment incentives, creating a more investor-friendly environment, and introducing an expedited dispute resolution mechanism to facilitate business operations.
Under the amended law, federal and provincial governments will be responsible for providing road access, utilities, and other essential infrastructure at government expense for special economic zones established on public land or by public sector entities. This includes electricity, gas, telecommunication services, and other facilities up to the designated zero point within one year of an SEZ’s notification.
The law also allows the Board of Investment to approve, on a case-by-case basis, similar government-funded infrastructure support for privately established SEZs, subject to criteria set by the board.
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